Opportunity

Last week opportunity knocked and I answered. I've been stuck in neutral lately, trying to conjure up scenarios that would allow us to afford an adoption. Sometimes an elaborate plan isn't needed. Sometimes it's just good old perseverance. 

Nine months ago (See: NINE.), I was approached about an opportunity at the clinic to work for a group of doctors full time rather than prn (which has ranged from 0-6 days a week- no stability). One of the doctors in particular went as far as writing a proposal to the powers that be in efforts to help me secure a job in his office. Nine months passed. Nine. Months. I have all but forgotten his valiant efforts- until last week. 

At ten minutes till check out time, I got an email from the boss: 

"See me before you leave today". Great! Nothing like a little discipline to top off the already craptastic week I was having. I honestly felt sick walking in to her office. I try to fly below any disciplinary radar as much as I can. What I didn't know was that all that flying below the radar had paid off; as had the efforts of a very determined, selfless doctor. 

I am now a full time, benefits eligible employee of Via Christi Clinic. I couldn't have asked for a better group of doctors to work for and nurses to work alongside. 

I will say, though, that the idea of working full time and being away from my babies has hit me hard. Babies grow up all too quickly, and I hate the fact that I will inevitably miss out on some of that growing while I'm at work. My sister, Maegan, watches the girls while Derek and I work, so they are obviously loved, cuddled, and spoiled all day long (and occasionally fed... Kidding sister!). For all that she does for us, we are incredibly lucky. It still stings to think about the milestones I may miss while I'm away.

What is fueling this overworked momma is knowing that I was given this opportunity for a reason. A very generous man lobbied for me FOR A REASON. Financially, Derek and I are in such a better place to start our adoption process. Other adoptive moms have had excellent luck with fundraisers. Or maybe they set up a successful Etsy shop. I truly believe that working full time is my ticket to financing this adoption. I am not turning a blind eye to this opportunity that has been given to me.

So.. Where are we now? Still in the initial application process. I expect this will take at least a month more. From there we will start our home study (yikes!) and begin the daunting paper chase known as international adoption. We have chosen Dillion International as our agency, and have had nothing but great interaction with them so far. I'm working on getting some letters rounded up from the rheumatologist, but wasn't able to get an appointment with her for another MONTH. Once I have all of the necessary documentation, we can send our application (and first set of fees) to the agency. 

Here's to hopefully seeing this skyline in the next 1-2 years!